Stakeholders Awareness and Curriculum Implementation in Rural Farm Schools in Laguna

The agriculture sector remains a vital pillar of the Philippine economy, yet it faces persistent challenges such as declining youth participation and limited access to modern agricultural technologies. In response, the Rural Farm Schools Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10618) was enacted to provide an alternative secondary education program tailored to rural learners. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness and the extent of implementation of the Rural Farm School Curriculum in the Schools Division Office of Laguna and to identify factors influencing its effective implementation. Using a descriptive-correlational research design anchored on the Input–Process–Output framework, data were gathered from 950 respondents consisting of RFS focal persons, learners, parents, and partner farms. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, the Kruskal–Wallis H Test, and Spearman’s rho correlation. Results revealed that RFS focal persons were highly aware of the curriculum objectives and policy foundations, while learners, parents, and partner farms were moderately aware. Despite variations in awareness, the curriculum was generally perceived as implemented by all respondent groups. Strengths included teacher preparation, professional development, strong community partnerships, and contextualized learning, while resource utilization consistently received the lowest ratings due to insufficient tools, facilities, and farm inputs. A significant relationship was found between awareness and the extent of curriculum implementation, indicating that awareness is a critical enabling factor for program success. The study recommends strengthened stakeholder engagement, improved resource allocation, sustained policy support, and the institutionalization of systematic monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the long-term sustainability of the RFS Curriculum and its contribution to rural development.